Famed historian Lyman Draper, in his book on Daniel Boone, said Ratliff was descended from Squire Boone. He appears most likely to be descended. from a Thomas Boon, who married Elizabeth Ratcliffe in Isle of Wight Co, VA in the 1600's. At least three generations of Ratliff Boons followed. In 1800 two generations of Ratliff Boons were living very close to Capt Bailey Anderson in Pendleton Co, SC. Since this Ratliff followed Bailey Anderson to KY and IN and married his daughter, the Draper lineage seems incorrect.

He moved to Kentucky with his parents when he was a boy.